Cosmetology expert and Educator Marie Noelle-Yakubu has urged more men to explore careers in makeup artistry, emphasising the role male professionals continue to play in Ghana’s fast-expanding beauty industry.

In an interview with JoyNews, she challenged the perception that makeup artistry is exclusively for women, noting that the industry is evolving beyond traditional gender boundaries.

She observed that men are increasingly making impactful and innovative contributions, helping to redefine standards, drive creativity, and elevate Ghana’s beauty ecosystem as a whole.

 “This morning, it was a male makeup artist who did my makeup for me”. She said. Makeup artistry is not limited to women. More men should take advantage of the opportunities in this field. There are some really great male makeup artists in Ghana’s beauty industry,” she stated.

Marie Noelle made these observations during the 5th Graduation Ceremony of Marie Noelle’s Beauty Academy, held on Saturday, 13th December 2025, at the GTEC Conference Hall, Bawaleshie, Trinity Avenue, Accra.

The ceremony saw over 200 students graduate after successfully completing a variety of professional courses, including makeup artistry, hairstyling, nail techniques, massage therapy, and other beauty-related disciplines.

The graduates received certificates and medals in acknowledgment of their dedication, perseverance, and hard work throughout their training.

During her address to the graduands, she urged them to step confidently into the world and make a meaningful impact with the training they had acquired.

“Passion, by itself, is never enough. That is where TVET and the Marie Noelle Beauty Academy come in. When we say TVET is where passion meets profession, this is exactly what we mean. TVET gives you a skill that feeds you, a craft that sustains you, and an entrepreneurial mindset that empowers you,” she noted.

She further stressed that the beauty industry extends far beyond glamour, describing it as a dynamic economic force that generates employment, fosters entrepreneurship, transforms communities, and shapes cultural expression.

“When I look at you, I see future CEOs, brand owners, industry change makers, employers, innovators, and trailblazers who will define the next decade of beauty in Ghana and across Africa,” she added.

The CEO of Make-Up Ghana and keynote speaker, Rebecca Donkor, also charged the graduands to adopt lifelong learning as a personal and professional principle.

“You have been trained by one of the best academies in the country, an academy that not only teaches skills but builds character, discipline, and creativity. Graduation is not the end; it is the beginning of a lifelong journey of growth,” she highlighted.

She encouraged them to constantly upgrade themselves by mastering new techniques, learning the business side of beauty, and exploring complementary areas such as wellness therapy, content creation, and product formulation.

She also urged collaboration among industry players to collectively elevate Ghana’s beauty industry.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Abdul –Rahaman Zakaria, Deputy Director-General in charge of Corporate Affairs at CTVET, commended Marie Noelle Beauty Academy for its consistent efforts in grooming and empowering a new generation of beauty professionals.

“We at CTVET salute your dedication. Every student seated here is a testament to your hard work, sacrifices, and commitment to excellence. You are saving the future of Ghana’s beauty and cosmetology industry, one professional at a time,” he remarked.